[5] However recent statistical analysis reveals that a disproportionate number of first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action come from phenotypic screening[6] which has led to a resurgence of interest in this method.
[11] In whole animal-based approaches, phenotypic screening is best exemplified where a substance is evaluated for potential therapeutic benefit across many different types of animal models representing different disease states.
Example organisms used for high-content screening include the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus).
[12] A number of companies including Melior Discovery,[17][18] Phylonix, and Sosei have specialized in using phenotypic screening in animal disease models for drug positioning.
[citation needed] The pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has formalized collaborative efforts with various 3rd parties aimed at conducting phenotypic screening of selected small molecules.